Combination bucket and shovel



Feb. 22, 1944. G. w. STUART COMBINATION BUKET AND SHOVEL Filed July 28, 1942 Ennentor (Ittorneg Patented Feb. 22, 1944 UNITED STATES FATENT OFFICE 2 Claims.

This invention relates to containers and more particularly to containers specifically designed for handling coal and other similar products.

The principal object of the invention is the provision of a combined shovel and bucket container of large capacity capable of being carried and so designed that it retains the contents thereof While being carried.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a combined shovel and bucket container which may be used as a conventional shovel.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a bucket forming accessory adapted to be used in connection with a conventional shovel.

The combination bucket and shovel container shown and described herein has been designed to provide an efficient means of conveying coal, particularly stoker coal, which comprises coal of relatively small sizes, from the bin or other supply source to a furnace, boiler or to a hopper of an automatic coal feeding and firing mechanism such as a stoker.

With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention resides in the combination and arrangement of parts and in the details of construction hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that changes in the precise embodiment of the invention herein disclosed, can be made within the scope of what is claimed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the container showing the same ready for use.

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the combination bucket and shovel container showing a closure member thereof in closed position.

Figure 3 is a front elevation of the device shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a side elevation of the invention on a reduced scale showing the same in the position in which the same is normally carried, as in conveying material.

By referring to the drawing and Figures 1 and 2 in particular, it will be seen that the combined bucket and shovel comprises a body member ID forming a conventional shovel complete with handle receiving portion H in which a handle I2 is positioned. The handle I2 is preferably of a shorter length than that of the ordinary handle supplied with that of a conventional shovel.

The body member has formed integrally therewith or positioned thereon an upwardly extending half-circular enclosure l3 which with the lowermost portion of the body member Ill serves to form a practical container. Positioned so as to be telescopically movable over the halfcircular enclosure l3 formed upon the body member I0, there is a closure member l4 pivoted to the body member if) by means of pivots I5. The closure member M is adapted to move forwardly or backwardly on the pivots #5, moving backwardly far enough to completely open the combination bucket and shovel at its forward end and movable forwardly far enough to completely close the combination bucket and shovel container so that the contents thereof may be retained therein. The closure member I4 is provided with a handle or carrying member [6 which is positioned as is best illustrated in Figure 4 of the drawing in a manner so that the center of weight being carried insures the positive closing of the closure member 14 at all times. In Figure 2 of the drawing, the closure member I4 is shown in fully closed position being moved forwardly to the extent of its range.

In Figure 3 of the drawing, a front elevation of the combined bucket and shovel container will be seen, it being observed that the lowermost portion of the body member H3 is conventionally shaped with respect to a shovel as is the handle receiving portion ll thereof in which the handle [2 is positioned.

Still referring to Figure 3, it will be observed that a semi-circular shovel handle I! is formed upon the end of the handle [2. In Figure 2 of the drawing, the invention is illustrated as being formed in two portions, the body member Ill being shown formed separately from the closure member I3, whereas in Figures 1 and 3 and 4 of the drawing, the closure member I3 is preferably formed integrally with the body member l0.

By referring now to Figure 4 of the drawing, an illustration of reduced size may be seen which represents the position of the combination bucket and shovel in relation to a floor area indicated by the numeral It, the positioning of the handle or carrying member E6 on the closure member l4 serving to cause the center of gravity to be located rearwardly thereof so that the device when carried as by a person grasping the handle or carrying member It assumes the position illustrated in Figure 4. In carrying coal from a coal supply bin or other source to a furnace, boiler or hopper of a mechanical stoker, it will be observed that the device of the invention facilitates carrying the fuel as well as insuring against the dropping of fuel particles from the device while in motion. It will further be observed that upon reaching the intended point of delivery it is only necessary to raise the handle l2 upwardly, the device pivoting on pivots l5, simultaneously opening the forward portion thereof and tilting the member In thereof so that the fuel being carried readily flows from the device into the intended receptacle.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. A combined bucket and shovel comprising a shovel-like scoop having a partial enclosure formed thereover, defining an opening at the forward end, a closure member positioned over the partial enclosure and pivoted at its sides to the said scoop and adapted to be moved forward so as to close the defined opening and backwardly so as to completely expose the said opening together with a conventional carrying handle aifixed to the said closure member, the said carrying handle positioned on the said closure member adjacent the rear-most portion thereof.

2. The combination of a shovel having an enclosed body with an opening at the forward end thereof, an elongated handle therefor, and a 010- sure member positioned over the enclosed body and pivoted at its sides to the said enclosed body and adapted to close the said opening and telescopically mounted with respect to the said enclosed body so as to be movable backwardly thereover, and a carrying handle aifixed to the said closure member near the back edge thereof so that the closure of the device will upon being lifted by the carrying handle thereon assume a closed position.

GILSON W. STUART. 

